Rich Layton & Tough Town are keepers of the flame for American roots music, embodying the raw energy of high-octane swamp rock, country, rockabilly, and honky tonk blues reminiscent of an East Texas roadhouse. Each set takes audiences for a harmonica-fueled ride from Sun Studios to Chess Records, and Muscle Shoals to Bakersfield. Rich’s original songs weave his Gulf Coast roots seamlessly into the mix, all delivered with the conviction of a firebrand rock and roll preacher determined to save your soul – and his. 

For over a decade, the band has released three albums and performs throughout the Northwest at showcase clubs and festivals. The most recent album Salvation Road, on Portland’s Never Lucky Records Label, was named a top five finalist at the 2020 International Blues Challenge. Rich’s collaborations extend beyond his band, as he frequently joins forces with musical luminaries like Lyle Lovett & His Large Band during their summer tours in the Northwest and shares the stage with longtime friends such as Lucinda Williams, Dale Watson, and Buckwheat Zydeco during their Portland tour stops, further solidifying his place in the pantheon of American roots music.